If you are considering a real estate investment, or representing somebody who is, one way to analyze a deal is to be mindful of the exit.  With that in mind, I wanted to bring to light the market as buyers see it today.  They are no longer buying in to visions of what they couldmake a home look like and seem to have eased up on the 'do-it-yourself' mentality that was so prevalent during the last couple years. Not only have many people now experienced 'do-it-yourself' and found it's not for them, Buyers also have so many homes to choose from that there is no need to do work if they don't want to.  Honestly, who really wants to do repairs if they can just move right into the same house down the street?  Sure, the fixer might have a bit lower price, but they can probably haggle that differ... 07/07/2008

June 2008 -  Issaquah Residential   2- Bedrooms 3 Bedrooms 4 Bedrooms 5+ Bedrooms All Bedrooms   Active #Units 15 159 182 64 420   Average List Price $690,079 $611,859 $858,141 $1,443,330 $848,075   Average Market Time 92 82 95 100 91   Average Square Feet 1605 2165 3328 4717 3038     All Off Market #Units 4 30 45 6 85     Pending #Units 2 13 16 2 33   Average List Price $414,900 $485,179 $635,373 $586,500 $559,882   Average Market Time 60 45 69 19 56   Average Square Feet 1673 1899 2626 2715 2287     Sold #Units 2 17 29 4 52   Dollar Value $747,900 $8,773,291 $20,318,889 $5,000,500 $34,840,580   Average List Price $384,950 $526,247 $721,636 $1,345,988 $692,837   Average Sold Price $373,950 $516,076 $700,651 $1,250,125 $670,011   Average Market Time 73 121 98 168 110   Average Square F... 07/01/2008

NWMLS 500 May-08 May-07 %Change Median Prices $699,475 $689,075 1.50% Inventory 589 398 48% Pending 68 116 -41.40%   NWMLS Area 500 includes South Bellevue, Newcastle,Issaquah through North Bend directly below I-90.  Overall Area 500 has 41 weeks of inventory.  Inventory is slowly building in this area as we see absorption rates growing.  All price ranges are Buyers advantaged markets with the exception of $300k-$400k and the price range of $900k - $1mil, which are Balanced markets. Compiled from but not published or verified by NWMLS. 06/13/2008

Built Green Townhome, in sought after community of Talus. Open floor plan w/expansive windows. Gourmet kitchen w/designer tile backsplash, stainless appl, gas cooking, lots of cabinet space & granite eating bar. Adjoining Great Room w/living area facing gas frpl & dining Rm leads to balcony. Spacious Master Retreat w/12ft ceilings,soaking tub,dual vanity & walk-in closet. Downstairs Bd Rm w/ 3/4 bath & private patio.Garage on main level. Minutes from parks, trails,shopping & 1.5 miles fm I-90!   This unit is listed for $356,000  If your looking for that great deal than here it is!!! MLS#28077985 Doug Gracia 05/26/2008

Issaquah is an anglicized word for a local Native American name, meaning "the sound of birds". Another version of the name is said to have come from the pioneers, who, being impressed with the multitude of wetland birds, called the area Squak Valley. When the next wave of settlers came and asked for the name of area the Natives told them, "Is Squak."The city was officially incorporated on April 29, 1892 Initially a small mining town, this town has changed noticeably both in its appearance and economic focus. Issaquah was originally developed to service the mining industry on nearby Tiger Mountain, and began as the town of Gilman, Washington. As the mining deposits neared depletion in the late 1890s, other companies started to realize Issaquah's potential to support a lucrative lumber bu... 04/21/2008

Affordable Housing now available in the Issaquah Highlands.D.R. Horton one of America's largest builder has teamed up with ARCH to provide affordable housing in the heart of the Issaquah Highlands Community.Ashford at Vista Park - located in Issaquah Highlands.  The community offers more than one hundred 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums, starting from low to mid $200's.  I hope you can share this exciting opportunity with any of your potential clients.  To learn more about this affordable housing project, you can visit DR Horton's website at http://www.drhorton.com/corp/GetCommunity.do?dv=Y7&pr=44205  or my website at: http://www.yournwhomeresource.com/home-buyers-seminar.asp   04/08/2008

Real Estate Market Statistics Single Family ResidenceJanuary 2008 Area 500 (South Bellevue/Issaquah) was one of the Eastside areas where the median prices were down -13.1%   YOY listing inventory was up 51.6% and PENDINGS were down -48.3%LISTINGS: 426 (2007) vs. 281 (2006) +51.6%PENDINGS: 31(2007) vs. 60(2006) -48.3%MEDIAN: $630,000 (2007) vs. $724,975 (2006) -13.1%Compiled from, but not published by NWMLS By Greg PerryEastside Realtorhttp://www.425realty.com/ 02/21/2008

By Greg PerryEastside Realtorwww.425realty.comSouth Bellevue / Issaquah For December 2007 Area 500 (South Bellevue/Issaquah) was one of the Eastside areas where the median prices were down -7.5%   YOY listing inventory was up 47.1% and PENDINGS were down -48.5%%LISTINGS: 378 (2007) vs. 257 (2006) +47.1%PENDINGS: 34(2007) vs. 66(2006) -48.5%MEDIAN: $599,975 (2007) vs. $648,750 (2006) -7.5%   Compiled from NWMLS, but not published by NWMLS. 01/09/2008

Did you know that Issaquah hasn't always been Issaquah.   Issaquah is actually a corruption of the correct name "isquow, " which means "sound of water birds"...So I suppose  Issaquah means "used to sound like birds but now sounds like development"?Issaquah also went by another name "Gilman" from 1892-1899.  01/05/2008

Monday - December 10th, 2007-- ANNUAL CHARITY BENEFIT -- "Easy and Elegant Entertaining" Sponsored by the - Issaquah Women's Foundation10am-5pm @ Pickering Barn (across from Costco)$5 DONATIONSHOPPING, SILENT AUCTION, FASHION SHOWS, TEA & WINE TASTING, CAFE'There will be people providing examples of ways to entertain easily and elegantly.Help you see solutions for making your gatherings fun and simple. You will also be given the opportunity to purchase some of the items at the benefit. __________________________________________________________________________What a fun way to spend a monday afternoon!Oh, by the way...if you are ever in need of more information about Issaquah, the local area,... tips about Real Estate -or- you would like me to research a few local agents who are highly q... 12/09/2007

Issaquah homes, like Issaquah itself, are becoming increasingly desirable.  The close-nit community, convenient location, and welcoming atmosphere make Issaquah homes the perfect place to live. The affordability of Issaquah homes makes them some of the most desirable housing in the region.  In July of 2007, nearby Bellevue's median home price was approximately $699,000, Sammamish's was $765,000, and Redmond's was $625,000.  The median price of Issaquah homes in that same time period, however, was only $489,000 - hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper than houses in neighboring towns, and yet only a few minutes away.  The town's location is one of Issaquah's many perks.  Close to the big cities as well as nature, everyone is just minutes away from their dream environment.   Technology ... 11/13/2007

For residential homes (not condos).Area 500 (South Bellevue/Issaquah) was the only Eastside area where the median prices were down --0.57% Last month in August this area's median prices were also down -4.26% marking its second straight month of price erosion. YOY listing inventory was up 32.07% and PENDINGS were down -33.33%LISTINGS: 523 (2007) vs. 396 (2006) +32.07%(Last month there were 493 listings)PENDINGS: 52 (2007) vs. 78 (2006) -33.23%MEDIAN: $640,000 (2007) vs. $643,676 (2006) -0.57% The median price for August was $669,000Compiled from, but not published by NWMLSGreg PerryEastside Realtorwww.425realty.com  10/11/2007

Issaquah condominiums are some of the hottest real estate on the market.  The great location and affordability make Issaquah condominiums more popular everyday. Most Issaquah condominiums are located at the southern end of Lake Sammmish, just minutes away from Interstate 90.   Living in this neighborhood has several benefits.  First, residents are just a quick drive from the busiest cities in the state.  Microsoft employees are a short drive from the corporation's 300-acre campus in Redmond, shoppers will be in heaven at upscale Bellevue Square, and urbanites of every kind will love being so close to Seattle. The low cost of Issaquah condominiums leaves plenty of money for commuting, shopping, and playing in the city.   With prices starting in the low $200,000's, Issaquah condominiums a... 10/06/2007

Celebrating the annual return of the salmonto our streams and downtown hatchery. The Issaquah Salmon Days Festival, presented by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, is the annual celebration of the returning salmon to our lakes, streams and historic downtown hatchery. This two day event, held annually the first full weekend in October, draws more than 150,000 people from around the Pacific Northwest region.Enjoy a full weekend of salmon spawning action, hatchery thrills and exhibits, streets lined with artists and craftspersons, delicious Foods of the World, the amazing Grande Parade, annual sporting events, live entertainment, the kids' favorite Field of Fun, lots of free events and activities, and much more!SALMON DAYS '007Spawn. Just Spawn.October 6 & 7, 2007 10am - 6pm DailyFree Admi... 10/01/2007

For Single Family Homes (not condos)Area 500 (South Bellevue/Issaquah) median prices were down -4.26% Last month in July this area's median prices were up almost 11%. YOY listing inventory was up 40.86% and PENDINGS were down 32.17%LISTINGS: 493 (2007) vs. 350 (2006) +40.86%(Last month there were 469 listings)PENDINGS: 97 (2007) vs. 143 (2006) -32.17%MEDIAN: $669,000 (2007) vs. 698,800 (2006) -4.26%Statistics compilied from, but not publised by the NWMLSBy Greg PerryEastside Realtorwww.425realty.com 09/15/2007

Issaquah homes, like Issaquah itself, are becoming increasingly desirable.  The close-nit community, convenient location, and welcoming atmosphere make Issaquah homes the perfect place to live. The affordability of Issaquah homes makes them some of the most desirable housing in the region.  In July of 2007, nearby Bellevue's median home price was approximately $699,000, Sammamish's was $765,000, and Redmond's was $625,000.  The median price of Issaquah homes in that same time period, however, was only $489,000 - hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper than houses in neighboring towns, and yet only a few minutes away.  The town's location is one of Issaquah's many perks.  Close to the big cities as well as nature, everyone is just minutes away from their dream environment.   Technology ... 07/25/2007

Issaquah condominiums are some of the hottest real estate on the market.  The great location and affordability make Issaquah condominiums more popular everyday. Most Issaquah condominiums are located at the southern end of Lake Sammmish, just minutes away from Interstate 90.   Living in this neighborhood has several benefits.  First, residents are just a quick drive from the busiest cities in the state.  Microsoft employees are a short drive from the corporation's 300-acre campus in Redmond, shoppers will be in heaven at upscale Bellevue Square, and urbanites of every kind will love being so close to Seattle.The low cost of Issaquah condominiums leaves plenty of money for commuting, shopping, and playing in the city.   With prices starting in the low $200,000's, Issaquah condominiums ar... 07/25/2007

Seven week averages:  Absorption rates for NWMLS area 500 (Bellevue/Issaquah, South of I90)All price ranges below $600,000 are showing a SELLER weighted markets.  Between $300k and $400k is only 5.9 weeks of inventory.  The price range between $400 and $500k has 8.4 weeks of inventory and $500 - $600k has 9.3 weeks of inventory.Price ranges between $700k  and all the way to $1,500,000 shows a balanced market with nice sales activity in all price ranges.  With 16 listings over $2,500,000 there has not been a sale in the last 7 weeks. Greg Perry, Eastside Realtorwww.425realty.coomgregperry@working-for-you.com 07/05/2007

Friday's Did You Know?  Lake Sammamish Frozen!By Brian Perry, Eastside RealtorThis Friday's did you know, should be titled could you imagine!   Back in 1950 Lake Sammamish froze completely through.  on January 29, 1950 after a week of temperatures around 10 degrees below zero and over a month of temperatures never above freezing, Lake Sammamish froze solid...5" of frozen ice in the center!Harriet Fish, an Issaquah resident and Author of the book "This was Issaquah" recalls building bonfires at the lakes edge so families could ice skate, and play hockey on Lake Sammamish. For further reading on this amazing winter, click here! 06/22/2007

Issaquah will finally get a hospital.Brian PerryEastside RealtorSo here it comes, the city of Issaquah will finally get a hospital.It has been a drawn out battle between the Washington State Department of Health, Swedish and the people of the plateau.  Here is the history of the situation... in June of 2004 Swedish Hospital submitted a formal Certificate-of-Need application to the Washington State Department of Health to build a hospital.  WSDOH denied the application in 2005 despite the fact smaller communities have hospitals and they had just a approved a new hospital for Gig Harbor.  This stimulated the residents of Issaquah / Sammamish into action.  They flooded the state with over 500 letters and strong showing at public hearings in support of a community hospital.  In january of t... 06/02/2007